Time and temperature-controlled logistics specialist Gist is breaking new ground with its latest refrigerated 13.6m trailers from Gray & Adams.

They are some of the first 44-pallet lifting-deck trailers onBritain’s roads – this new addition to the Gray & Adams range offers a 10 per cent increase in pallet carrying capacity compared to a standard, 13.6m double-decker.

TheUK’s leading manufacturer of temperature-controlled trailers and commercial vehicle bodywork took a fresh look at its standard 40-pallet offering before employing a series of cleverly-engineered measures that allow operators to make practical use of every precious inch of space on the two decks.

The launch means that having been first to the market with a refrigerated double-deck trailer some 14 years ago, Gray & Adams is once again leading the way with the industry’s first 44-pallet version.

Tailored precisely to meet the requirement of Gist’s operation, each of the new trailers runs on six 445/45 R 19.5 tyres in place of the more conventional twelve 215/75 R 17.5s, and features wide radius leading-edge cappings that smooth the airflow and reduce fuel consumption.

Gist has specified a combination of dual- and single-temperature Carrier refrigeration units while some of its new trailers are additionally fitted with retractable Dhollandia 1500kg tail-lifts – as well as the bottom decks, these can access the upper decks in their lowered positions.

Gist’s transport and warehousing network extends throughout theUKandEurope, and the company handles everything from dairy products, fresh fruit and vegetables and other chilled and perishable foods, to cut flowers and live plants, for an impressive portfolio of customers.

Gist Engineering Director Sam de Beaux confirms: “We won’t always make full use of their increased carrying capacity, but there will certainly be times when the ability to carry an extra four pallets on our new trailers is going to be very useful indeed.

“At Gist we are always looking at ways to improve productivity, cut costs and reduce the impact of our operation on the environment. This is yet another tangible example of how Gray & Adams are helping us to do just that.”

As well as supplying the vast majority of Gist’s trailers, Gray & Adams also builds insulated bodies for the operator’s rigid trucks – this year’s orders include a number for mainly single-temperature 8.2m and 6m insulated boxes which are being fitted to a fleet of 18-tonne DAF chassis.

“I have been working in partnership with Gray & Adams since the 1980s and in my experience they offer the industry’s best combination of flexibility and technical capability, coupled with resilience and robustness of construction,” adds Mr de Beaux.

“We benchmark our costs so know their prices to be competitive. But price is only one factor – we’re more interested in a product’s suitability and ease of use for our operation, and in its total life cost.

“So, for example, our trailers have fridge guards and extra protection for internal lighting and controls, in order to minimise the damage that can occur when mechanical handling equipment is going in and out several times a day.